Urdaneta, Pangasinan

History

Urdaneta was founded on January 8, 1858, by Pangasinenses and Ilocanos who sought greater ties and unity. The city was named after Father Andrés de Urdaneta, aide to Miguel Lopez De Legazpi, soldier, navigator, cosmographer, and evangelist. Father Urdaneta played a significant role in the colonization of the Philippines as he helped establish the first Spanish settlement on the island of Cebu in 1565. He also helped establish the first trade route between Mexico and the Philippines, which was used for over two centuries.

By naming the city after Father Urdaneta, the people of Urdaneta City pay tribute to his legacy and contributions to the country. His name has become synonymous with exploration, adventure, and faith - qualities that are celebrated in Urdaneta City. Today, the city continues to honor Father Urdaneta through various events, monuments, and institutions, which serve as reminders of his enduring legacy.

Cityhood

Main article: Cities of the Philippines

In 1998, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 8480, which converted the Municipality of Urdaneta into a component city of the Province of Pangasinan. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Amadeo R. Perez Jr., a congressman representing the 5th district of the province.

The passage of the bill was followed by a plebiscite, which was held on March 21, 1998. The people of Urdaneta overwhelmingly ratified the legislative act, with 26,222 in favor and only 142 against. As a result, Urdaneta was officially proclaimed as a city.

Geography

Urdaneta has a land area of 12,100 hectares.

Urdaneta is situated 40.76 km from the provincial capital Lingayen and 188.46 km from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

Urdaneta is politically subdivided into 34 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

• Anonas
• Bactad East
• Bayaoas
• Bolaoen
• Cabaruan
• Cabuloan
• Camanang
• Camantiles
• Casantaan
• Catablan
• Cayambanan
• Consolacion
• Dilan Paurido
• Labit Proper
• Labit West
• Mabanogbog
• Macalong
• Nancalobasaan
• Nancamaliran East
• Nancamaliran West
• Nancayasan
• Oltama
• Palina East
• Palina West
• Pedro T. Orata (Bactad Proper)
• Pinmaludpod
• Poblacion
• San Jose
• San Vicente
• Santa Lucia
• Santo Domingo
• Sugcong
• Tipuso
• Tulong

Climate

Climate in Urdaneta is classified as tropical monsoon under the Köppen climate classification. The area experiences a distinct wet season from June to October, influenced primarily by the southwest monsoon, while the months from November to May are comparatively drier. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with average daily highs generally ranging from 30 to 34 °C and lows from 22 to 25 °C.

Rainfall is heaviest in August, which is typically the peak of the rainy season, and lightest in January during the dry period. Humidity remains high year-round due to the city’s low elevation and proximity to coastal air masses, contributing to consistently warm and humid conditions.{{Weather box | access-date = October 31, 2015}}

Demographics

Population

Urdaneta City is the third most populous city in Ilocos Region, with 145,935 residents, following San Carlos City in Pangasinan, which has 208,330 people, and Dagupan City, with 174,777 residents.{{Philippine Census

Languages

Pangasinan and Ilocano are the main languages of Urdaneta.

Religion

Roman Catholicism

The Urdaneta Cathedral or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Urdaneta is part of the Vicariate of Our Lady. Its vicar foranes are Rev. Fr. Alberto T. Arenos and Father Elpidio F. Silva Jr. Its feast day is December 8. Local Ordinary is Bishop Jacinto Agcaoili Jose, JCL, DD. Founded on January 8, 1858, it is a suffragan diocese of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

The diocese is led by Bishop Jacinto Jose, who also serves as vice chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission of Social Communications and Mass Media and member of the Episcopal Commission on Youth.

Previous ordinaries were Bishop Jesus Castro Galang (December 7, 1991 – September 16, 2004) and Bishop Pedro G. Magugat, M.S.C. (April 22, 1985 – May 5, 1990). Other diocesan officials hold office at the Bishop's Residence and Chancery of Obispado de Urdaneta Building, Dr. Jose Aruego Street, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. The Vicar General is Msgr. Numeriano A. Gabot Jr. and Chancellor, Father Angelo B. Lopez.

Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan Church

The Aglipay Central Theological Seminary (ACTS) in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan is the regional seminary of the Philippine Independent Church dedicated to serve the North-Central and South-Central Luzon Dioceses. ACTS offers a Bachelor of Theology and Divinity Programs for those who aspire to enter the ordained ministry in the Church. It is a four-year study program with a curriculum focused on biblical, theological, historical and pastoral studies with reference to parish management and development and wider cultural and social context. Members of the Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayans have the second most members in the city.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Urdaneta was selected as the site of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, which was dedicated on April 28, 2024. The third temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in the Philippines (the other two being in Manila and Cebu City) Additionally, there are multiple temples under construction or in the planning process in Alabang, Davao, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Naga, Santiago, Tuguegarao City, Iloilo, and Laoag.

''Iglesia ni Cristo'' (Church of Christ)

Urdaneta is one of the Major Ecclesiastical Districts of the Church, comprising 12 local chapels serves as barangay chapel, the biggest one is situated at Sison St., Poblacion Proper and the district office is located, and one Group Worship Service Chapel. INC Considered minority increasing members throughout the city. The percentage comprises 5-9% of the Urdanetanians.

Economy

As gateway to northern Philippines, the city's strategic location is on the central part of eastern Pangasinan. Urdaneta is among the most progressive cities in northern Luzon in annual regular income beating all cities in Region 1. It is among the region's cleanest, greenest and most livable cities.

Urdaneta produces rice, vegetables and noodles. As a trading hub of Pangasinan, it has a “Bagsakan” (trading post), a drop-off point for fruits and vegetables.

The largest cattle market in northern Luzon is Urdaneta's Livestock Market. The city has numerous financial and banking institutions which make it among the most vibrant economies in Pangasinan and the whole Ilocos Region.

Tourism

Attractions include Museo de Urdaneta, Cabaruan, Sugcong and Oltama Rolling Hills, inter alia. The Sanctuary I.T. Building (Barangay Nancaysan, MacArthur Highway, the only Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) proclaimed I.T. Building in Pangasinan) houses the first two call centers: FFG Telemarketing (a Filipino-Canadian outbound call center) and EIE Inc. (Filipino-owned website services marketing firm).

Government

Local government

Main article: Sangguniang Panglungsod

Urdaneta, belonging to the fifth congressional district of the province of Pangasinan, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a city council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

List of mayors

Culture

Festivals

Urdaneta City celebrates Dumayo Festival annually March 18 – 31: Basbas ng Pag-iisang Dibdib (free mass wedding), bloodletting activity, tree planting for environment preservation, jobs fair and fun run for a cause.

The city celebrates fiesta every month of December. This is in remembrance of the city patron, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Festivities are held December 1–8. Activities include a parade, drum and lyre competition, teachers' night, balikbayan night, ABC-SK night, ballroom, Miss Urdaneta City coronation night and many more events. A carnival is put up every December as a part of the event.

In the 2012 yearly City Fiesta celebration (December 1–15), Fifth District Representative Kimi S. Cojuangco formally (December 1) opened the agro-industrial fair where “bahay kubo” booths of the city's barangays showcased their products at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Complex. Cojuangco was assisted by Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chair Amadeo R. Perez Jr., Mayor Amadeo Gregorio “Bobom” Perez IV and members of the Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Onofre C. Gorospe.

Education

The Urdaneta City Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the city. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

• Anonas East Elementary School
• Anonas Elementary School
• Bactad Community School
• Bactad East Elementary School
• Badipa Elementary School
• Berean Academy of Urdaneta City, Inc.
• Bolaoen Elementary School
• Bright International Special School of Urdaneta, Inc.
• Cabaruan Elementary School
• Cabuloan Elementary School
• Calegu Elementary School
• Camanang Elementary School
• Camantiles Elementary School
• Casabula Elementary School
• Cayambanan Elementary School
• Consolacion Elementary School
• Don Amadeo Perez Sr. Memorial Elementary Central School - Main
• Don Amadeo Perez, Sr. Memorial Elementary Central School - East
• Don Amadeo Perez, Sr. Memorial Elementary Central School - West
• Don Andres G. Maiquez Memorial School
• Don Clemente Blanco Memorial Elementary School
• Don Felipe Maramba Elementary School
• Don Valentin M. Ordonez Memorial School
• Florentino B. Goce Community School
• Froebel Academy of Pangasinan, Inc.
• Holy Gem & Scepter Academy
• Labit East Elementary School
• Labit West Elementary School
• Lananpin Elementary School
• Lazaga Elementary School
• Manan Elementary School
• Michelli Marie's Special School
• Nanbacuran Elementary School
• Nancalobasaan Elementary School
• Nancalobasaan Riverside Elementary School
• Nancayasan Elementary School
• Oltama Elementary School
• Palina East Elementary School
• Pinmaludpod Elementary School
• San Jose Elementary School
• Sta. Lucia Elementary School
• Tabuyoc Elementary School
• The North Woods Academy of Urdaneta Inc.
• Tiposu Elementary School
• Trinidad S. Perez Elementary School
• Tulong Elementary School
• Urdaneta City Academic Pathways, Inc.
• Urdaneta City SPED Center
• Urdaneta I Central School
• Vicente Taaca Memorial School

Secondary schools

• Anonas National High School
• Bactad East National High School
• Badipa National High School
• Berean Academy of Urdaneta City, Inc.
• Cabaruan National High School
• Cabuloan National High School
• Calegu Integrated School
• Camabu National High School
• Camantiles National High School
• Casabula National High School
• Catablan Integrated School
• Cayambanan National High School
• Divine Grace Montessori and High School of Urdaneta, Inc
• Don Alipio Fernandez, Sr. Integrated School
• Don Antonio Bongolan Memorial High School
• Immaculate Heart Learning Center
• Labit National High School
• Lananpin National High School
• Lyceum Northern Luzon High School
• Maranatha Christian Academy of Urdaneta, Inc.
• Mariano Q. Umipig National High School
• MAV School of Multiple Intelligence, Inc.
• Merryland Montessori and High School, Inc.
• Messiah Christian Academy Inc.
• Mother Goose Special School System, Inc.
• Nancalobasaan National High School
• Our Lady of the Lilies Academy
• Palina East National High School
• Palina West National High School
• Pedro T. Orata National High School
• San Jose Leet Integrated School
• St. Andrew Montessori and High School, Inc.
• St. Francis Urdaneta, Inc.
• Urdaneta City National High School

Colleges and universities

• ABE International College of Business and Accountancy-Urdaneta
• AIE College - Urdaneta, Inc.
• Divine Word College of Urdaneta
• International Colleges for Excellence Inc.
• Luzon College of Science and Technology
• Lyceum - Northwestern University
• Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta
• PHINMA-UPang College Urdaneta, Inc.
• Panpacific University
• Urdaneta City University
• Wellcare Institute of Science and Technology

Notable personalities

• Danny Ildefonso, two-time PBA Season MVP, five-time Best Player of the Conference, three-time Finals MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, eight-time PBA Champion and one of the 40 Greatest Players in PBA History.
• Barbara Perez, award-winning actress known as the Audrey Hepburn of the Philippines.
• Lolita Rodriguez, award-winning actress.
• Romeo de la Cruz, former Solicitor General of the Philippines.
• Rose Martinez, Hawaiian politician.
• Pedro María Sison, Filipino senator from 1916 to 1922
• Jonel Nuezca, perpetrator of the 2020 Tarlac shooting (currently buried in the Urdaneta City Memorial Park)

References

References

1. {{DILG detail
2. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President".
3. (August 8, 2025). "SCHEDULE OF INCOME CLASSIFICATION FOR THE FIRST GENERAL INCOME RECLASSIFICATION OF PROVINCES, CITIES, AND MUNICIPALITIES BASED ON THE INCOME RANGES UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11964".
4. (February 15, 2023). "Urdaneta City: A Vibrant City Rich in History and Culture".
5. "Urdaneta City".
6. "Republic Act No. 8480".
7. "Urdaneta Climate (Philippines)".
8. (August 1, 2025). "Highlights of the Region I (Ilocos Region) Population 2024 Census of Population (2024 POPCEN)".
9. "Socio-Economic Profile of Urdaneta City". Urdaneta City Government.
10. "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines". Gcatholic.org.
11. "List of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Urdaneta | Philippine Churches".
12. (September 4, 2012). "Diocese of Urdaneta".
13. Chester. (February 18, 2008). "Capital of Pangasinan: All Churches in Pangasinan".
14. Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. "Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan: Vicariate of Santo Tomas de Aquino". Rcald.org.
15. Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. "Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan". Rcald.org.
16. "Diocese of Urdaneta".
17. "Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".
18. (May 15, 2025). "City of Urdaneta - Pangasinan {{!}} Eleksyon 2025 {{!}} GMA News Online". [[GMA Integrated News]].
19. "Home".
20. (January 15, 2021). "Masterlist of Schools".
21. "List of Previous Senators - Senate of the Philippines".